Do you have leaky gut? I mean don’t we all. We are all overly medicated, on birth control, eating a poor diet, stressed out and having unnecessary elective surgeries. All of this bodily stressors eventually contribute to leaky gut aka increased intestinal permeability.

Leaky gut is an inflammatory reaction in which the content of our stomach spills into the blood. This is our food, bacteria, inflammatory markers that are meant to be excreted in our stools are now wrecking havoc on our immune system. Leaky gut is higher in obese and older individuals as well.

Metformin, is a prescription medication which has been used since the fifties to support patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetics have improper regulation of their insulin hormone on their sugar level leading to insulin resistance and unhealthy levels of sugar in the blood. Metformin acts on the liver to decrease the liver’s production of sugar and increase the uptake of the sugar we have in our blood and put it on our muscles and in our fat cells.

Exercise, diet changes and lifestyle modification and yes, Metformin support diabetic patients. Today we investigate how this wonder drug acts on our gut flora.

Metformin blocks the production of LPS aka lipolysaccharide, a toxin bacteria have which cause inflammation. Blocking LPS further decreases leaky gut as you remember leaky gut means inflammation is happening. Metformin is also found to decrease inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and Interlukin 6 as well. Lastly, Zonulin a true marker of leaky gut as well as Mucin-2 a component of mucus in the gut was increased in the intestine of patients taking Metformin.

Mucin or mucus production by cells called goblet cells in the gut is key to maintaining a physical barrier against all these toxins, drugs and foods that want to spill in our blood and cause issues.

Taking Metformin, which increases SCFA contribute to stimulating GLP1 aka Glucagon-like peptide 1 and Peptitde YY. They are hormones that increase our insulin production from the pancreas and thus lowers our blood sugar. High levels of short chain fatty acids means more mucus production to support gut integrity, lower inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity.

Within 4 months of taking Metformin; bile acid, the main component of bile. was increased. Bile is liquid made in the liver and the extra is stored in a small pouch called the gallbladder. Bile is released to help us digest and absorb the fats we eat. Taking Metformin causes bile acid to increase more GLP-1 and balance our blood sugar. Bile acid also protects us against a gut bacteria called Clostridium difficile known as C. Diff which is a major cause of antibiotic-induced diarrhea,

By taking Metformin, we increase our gut friendly bacteria aka probiotics like Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, Megasphaera and so much more. Probiotics in combination with prebiotics aka our daily fibers we intake, will make SCFA. Taking metformin is like starting your day with a yogurt cup, kefir drink or favorite probiotic supplements…. well kinda. Learn more about probiotics and prebiotics on my previous blog here.

What do you all think, is metformin the true wonder drug we all need to be taking to stay young and have a healthy gut? Ummm, I have more thoughts on the subject. I support my patients by treating their gut imbalance. We do at home food sensitivity panel, stool tests, SIBO tests to get to the root cause of their gut imbalances. For many patients metformin has not been the wonder drug to manage their diabetes unfortunately, it even causes loose stools to diarrhea in many patients I see.

Have you been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, has metformin helped you? Or are you still struggling to manage your diabetes. I manage diabetics in my practice with yes Metformin but also supportive herbs other than Metformin medication. If you are interested in taking care of your gut health or diabetic need reach out here.